I recently got a turbo upgrade for my 80 auto. The guys at the turbo shop said if I got a torque converter lockup kit they'd be able to tune it for more power. I'd never heard of one of these things, but when I asked two transmission shops they advised against it, as it places an extra load on the transmission that it wasn't designed to take. Does anyone know anything about these?
Torque Converter lockup kit
- Thread starter Chuck Steak
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Check out wholesale automatic transmission from Australia. They sell a torque converter lockup kit (I have one sitting on my parts shelf) and also modified valve bodies ect. They are good resource for information.
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- #3
Thanks for the reply but my question is a little more fundamental. I've rung two transmission places that advised me against it, as they said it would put too much strain on the transmission, despite the fact that the turbo place said it's a good idea. So I'm looking for someone that's added one of these to their car and what their experience of it was
I’m not sure how fundamental you want to get but reading your question I think both parties are right, but it depends how you use the new lockup function. I’ve added my own “kit”, it’s relatively simple to tell the torque converter to lock/unlock using an additional dash switch and a decent auto transmission fluid temp gauge, but off the shelf kits are available.
You’ll need to do a bit of googling re how a TC works but there are benefits to manually controlling the TC lock up, especially if you have a heavy vehicle, like managing heat build up when towing heavy loads, long hill climbs etc. There’s plenty of 80s driving around fine without them also.
You’ll need to do a bit of googling re how a TC works but there are benefits to manually controlling the TC lock up, especially if you have a heavy vehicle, like managing heat build up when towing heavy loads, long hill climbs etc. There’s plenty of 80s driving around fine without them also.
I would reach out to @Cruisers and Co as they have a turbo kit and have done some of the R&D into the transmissions. Not sure about the TC lockup but I know they have the valve bodies as a suggestion to their kits.
Johnny has been very active in responding to questions and he will probably be along shortly (since I invoked his @name).
Johnny has been very active in responding to questions and he will probably be along shortly (since I invoked his @name).
I’m no turbo tuner but it makes sense if the vehicle is on a rolling road and TC is locked up, that this equals no TC slip. No slip means more torque/power to the drivetrain.
Rodney from Wholesale Automatics does this stuff for a living. Personally I wouldn't bother with a transmission shops recommendation. I would trust Rodney. He's been doing this stuff for the last 30+ years and has an excellent reputation in the industry.
I’ve had a lock up for 10 years and used it a lot, particularly on steep hills and when towing. Makes a huge difference to be able to lock in 2nd. As I have the valve body I can also lock in first. Biggest gain is heat reduction. Climbs that would easily overheat my auto now don’t. The only ‘strain’ of using it would be on the torque converter itself. The clutches benefit from it.
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and here I am lolI would reach out to @Cruisers and Co as they have a turbo kit and have done some of the R&D into the transmissions. Not sure about the TC lockup but I know they have the valve bodies as a suggestion to their kits.
Johnny has been very active in responding to questions and he will probably be along shortly (since I invoked his @name).
On this question… yes a TC lockup (TCLU) could potentially allow you to put more hp/tq down to the ground. Here’s the problem, the TCLU clutch isn’t designed for sustained high boost hard pulls in the A343F or A442F so while you can do that and you could put more down you’ll be straining the TC and sending it to limits it’s not supposed to go. The rest of the transmission likely also stays alive because some slippage in lower gears
Currently the Gen 2 TCLU kits from Wholesale are discontinued but we have the Gen 3 Nomad Lockup from in testing in my personal 80 right now. We’re Wholesale Auto’s State Side distributor and testing/helping prototype the next generation of lockups. While automatic and manual control is available from these units were not going to tune them to lockup under large load. TCLU’s are more there to help transmission temps when going up longer grades, when running in really soft stuff like sand on a beach, engine braking and things of that nature but not all out full flog.
I personally wouldn’t wind it up with the TC locked up for a bit of gain.
What’s the turbo setup making for power current and what transmission do you have?
I have cheated a bit with my 1HDT / A442F combo. I have the TCLU but also have a rebuilt Transmission with Nomad Valve Body and Billet Torque Converter. I got the Trans rebuilt because it was not working properly after 300,000 kms of average abuse. Engine is boosted with a GTurbo and PDI Intercooler. 175hp/500Nm @ RW. I asked for a towing tune and it is great for that. I only use the lockup while towing my Camper Trailer on long grades. It will tow great without the lockup but gets hotter than is recommended. The lockup prevents Slip from generating heat. It also assists with engine breaking. Nothing worse than watching your already warm/hot Transmission get hotter on the way down the other side because the factory control of the torque converter unlocks when there is low or no throttle input recorded by the TPS, so Torque Converter slip on the overrun.
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- #11
Not sure what transmission I have but it's a 4sp in a 1994 HDJ80 with a 1HDT motor. I've had a turbo upgrade and it's making 454Nm at the rear wheel at 2K rpm
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You have a 4 solenoid A442F. Yup definitely would not do a lock up to put more power down. Maybe with a wholesale billet TC but with the stock one you’re asking for problems if using the TCLU to enhance power to the ground during all out pulls.
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- #13
Thanks. That's the info I've got from two transmission places I've spoken to. I just wanted some more opinions to check. Now I have it. I'll leave it as it is.
Cheers